An expired driver’s license does not necessarily prevent hiring if the employee can present another acceptable Form I-9 document combination. Ordinarily, the employer needs a qualifying List A document or a List B identity document plus a List C employment-authorization document. The employee generally chooses among acceptable documents. [1]
Rules that determine the answer
SSA distinguishes unrestricted Social Security cards from cards marked “valid for work only with DHS authorization” or “not valid for employment.” A restricted card is not the same as an unrestricted List C card. Even an unrestricted card establishes only the relevant employment-authorization evidence; it does not replace a needed List B identity document in that combination. [1] [2]
The ordinary lost, stolen, or damaged-document receipt route generally allows ninety days to present the required replacement under the regulation. It is a limited substitute, not permission to ignore all verification requirements or start unauthorized employment. [1] Section 2 generally must be completed within three business days of the first day of paid work, with different timing for employment lasting fewer than three business days. A document legally extended by an applicable rule can present a different question from an ordinary expired ID. Finally, I-9 acceptance, professional licensing, and airport identification are separate systems; a document acceptable for one purpose is not automatically sufficient for all three.
What to do next
- Review the current Lists of Acceptable Documents for another valid combination.
- If a qualifying document was lost, stolen, or damaged, check the limited replacement-receipt rule and its deadline.
- Do not assume a receipt for renewing an already expired document has the same effect as a qualifying replacement receipt.
- Tell the employer about any legally valid document extension and provide the required supporting combination rather than rely only on the face expiration date.
Practical example
A worker has an expired license but a valid U.S. passport. The passport can satisfy the applicable List A route without a renewed license. Another worker relying on List B plus List C needs both acceptable components.
For related situations, see removing a Social Security card work restriction and travel with an I-797 notice.
Primary sources
- 8 CFR 274a.2: I-9 documents, timing, and replacement receipts
- SSA: Unrestricted and restricted Social Security cards
Sources checked: October 31, 2026.